Single-Page Website versus a Multi-page Website

Single-page websites can be beautiful solutions, incorporating simplicity and order with a streamline user-experience. But how do you know when a single-page website will satisfy your companies web presence needs? Let’s discuss the pros and cons of implementing a single-page site versus a multi-page site and see if it is the correct solution for your business.

___

Advantages of the Single-page Website

1. Better Control of the Flow of information
One benefit of a single-page website is that because its construct provides a linear flow experience, you can direct your visitor through the information on how you feel will benefit the conversation best. You have more control over how the user absorbs your content.

2. Promotes a Responsive Experience
By promoting the friendly format of information with this linear experience, statistics show that the user is more likely to take action: email you, or take some sort of action response that you offer. For those businesses such a a restaurant, a yoga studio, those businesses that take reservations online or registration for an event, this sleek single-page experience will allow for easy action for sign-up.

3. Ideal for the Mobile Experience
Both in terms of flow and that the content is usually consolidated and easy to assimilate compared to a multi-page site, the one-page website provides a compact, easy experience for the user, making for a great mobile experience.

___

Disadvantages of the Single-page Website

1. More to Say
If you simply can’t fit all your content of products or services into a single-page site, don’t do it. The bottom line, your website should generate an optimal user experience, and if a multi-page can assist in the ease of discovery and flow, then you need a multi-page site.

2. Functions and Features
Certain functions and features are just not feasible with a single-page website, this would include: blogs, news feeds, e-commerce to name a few.

3. Download Time
Load time pros and cons are debatable. Download time all depends on the desired content. If you need a lot of images to communicate your service, then the initial download is going to be longer and overall slower. But often, the single-page site is more streamline, and therefore a more manageable download. This is where your designer comes in to help you assess if you should move from a single-page solution to a multi-page solution.

4. Sharing Content
Sharing on a specific topic can be difficult on a single-page site where the sharing is just going to automatically share the entire page.

5. Diluted SEO
Single-page website are less search optimized than multi-page sites. Those search engine algorithms are trying to match inquiries with your content. While the single-page may improve your primary keywords search, some topics may get diluted that would receive more relevancy if they were on their own page.

6. Google Analytics
Google Analytics is all about evaluating what is driving people to your site. With a single-page site, Google Analytics report will not be able to scrutinize what section of your single-page website is attracting users. So, the probe of what content is bringing visitors to your website will not be available.

___

Single-page Websites are a Great Solution for:

1. Business Start-ups: providing a temporary and critical introduction of your brand in a cost-effective solution.

2. Singular Events: such a weddings, conferences, parties, and contests, that have nonpermanent, short-term needs.

3. Small Service Companies: Usually one-or-two people service firms who just need a simple presence on the web to promote their service and brand.

4. Launching a New Singular Product: There are times when a large company may want to enhance a product launch by having a website that solely focuses on the new arrival. Launching a new singular product allows for special focus even though they product is part of a large company brand of products. This single-page website focuses on the new product and links to the larger website of the brand.

___

Conclusion

First and foremost, it is the content, both the quantity and the structure required, that will be the driving force whether or not a single-page website is right for you. For those companies that have a service-oriented business, have only one product or no products to sell, no desire for a blog or news snippets, then a single-page website is a great, economic solution. A single-page website will allow you to get your information out to the world, and the important action of establishing and broadcasting your brand.

Always remember, it is the user-experience that needs to dictate what features and format that are fashioned on your website to bring about an ease-of-use pleasant engaging online experience.

designmeister is a graphic design studio specializing in branding solutions, web design, infographics, print, and food & dietary supplement packaging. Drop us an email, or give us a call: 503-363-8304, to see how we can serve you to enhance your brand and customer experience. You can find designmeister on Twitter and on LinkedIn.